1959 "Y" d'Yquem
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Tasting notes
This bottle of 1959 d'Yquem had never left the estate. Evoking aromas of spices, brown sugar, caramel, marmalade and quince, all beautifully defined, it is medium-bodied, racy and refined, with plenitude on the mid-palate and a deep core of fruit. I was impressed by the tension and the particularly long, penetrating finish, complemented by a delicate phenolic aftertaste.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Great wine at its peak but showing no sign of fading. Tawny with a greenish tinge at the rim. Gloriously tangy. 120 g/l. Great balance with some gunpowder and smokiness. It was extremely hot when the grapes were picked. Amazing that it's as good as it is in an era that pre-dates sophisticated temperature control. Extremely rich with notes of dried fruits. Great balnce with strong dried citrus peel notes. Vital. Slightly more pronounced acidity than another bottle I was lucky enough to try late last year in London. (Note to follow.) (JR)
14.3% 121 g/l RS, TA 4.3 Four waves of picking. Quick, early vintage 19 Sep to 16 Oct, 23 days’ picking over 27 . Very big boned indeed. Big and bold and savoury and quite chewy on the finish. (JR)
About the producer
The undisputed finest sweet wine in the world, Château d'Yquem is the only Premier Cru Supérieur estate in Sauternes, classified in 1855. With a long history stretching back to the Middle Ages, the château is entwined with that of the Lur-Saluces family – who remain involved today.